AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major John O. Turnage for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Turnage distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on the night of 19 January 1969 as Aircraft Commander of a command and control helicopter supporting an artillery battery at Fire Support Base Bragg II in Tay Ninh Province. Upon arriving at the base with the Battalion Commander, Major Turnage found it impossible to immediately land because stores of artillery ammunition were burning and exploding near the helipad. Realizing that no control had been established over the orbiting gunships and an Air Force flare ship, he initiated contact with the aircraft, had the flares adjusted so that they would aid the operation and enacted initial coordination between the gun ships and the ground element. He landed his helicopter amidst detonating artillery rounds, delivering the Battalion Commander to his unit. After picking up a critically wounded soldier, he flew directly to Tay Ninh and then returned to render aid once again. By this time conditions on the ground were stable and medical evacuation helicopters had extracted the remainder of the wounded. Major Turnage's outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.